Congress is ready for a break.

For Republicans, 2017 was supposed to be a year of winning, as then-candidate Donald Trump often said, for an ambitious legislative agenda on Capitol Hill. Seven months in, it hasn't worked out the way they envisioned, NBC News reported.

Republican leaders have failed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, they are behind schedule on tax reform and they haven't even broached plans to boost the nation's infrastructure — three of their top legislative priorities.

Now they are leaving town for their annual August recess, feeling frustrated, exhausted and disappointed that a rare opportunity to pass their agenda is being squandered. They have control of Congress and the White House but little to show for it so far.

Three U.S. Marines were missing Saturday after their aircraft crashed into the sea off the east coast of Australia, the United States Marine Corps said.

Twenty-three of the 26 personnel aboard the Osprey heli-plane have been rescued, NBC News reported.

The aircraft was conducting regularly scheduled operations when it crashed into the sea. Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne said Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had been briefed on the situation and had spoken with U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Vessels and aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group are taking part in the rescue operation.

A self-proclaimed "Guardian of the Galaxy" received an out of this world response from NASA after applying for a position with the space agency.

This week, 9-year-old Jack Davis of New Jersey wrote a letter to NASA to apply for planetary protection officer, a position that has been around since the 1960s.

"My name is Jack Davis and I would like to apply for the planetary protection officer job," the fourth-grader wrote in a letter. "I may be nine, but I think I would be fit for the job."

Davis also listed a few of his qualifications for the open position, one of them being that his sister calls him an alien.

"I have seen almost all the space and alien movies I can see," he explained. "I have also seen the show Marvel Agents of Shield and hope to see the movie Men in Black."

NASA replied to the letter and Davis even got a call from Planetary Research Director Jonathan Rall.

In the letter, the space agency congratulated Davis on his interest and gave him a brief description of the position.

"It's about protecting Earth from tiny microbes when we bring back samples from the Moon, asteroids and Mars. It's also about protecting other planets and moons from our germs as we responsibly explore the Solar System," Dr. James L Green, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, wrote.

Green also wrote that he hopes Davis continues to study and do well in school, and hopes to see him at NASA in the future. 

TGI Weekend! With perfect summer weather, there are plenty of things to do in San Diego this weekend. From horse racing or a Friday concert in Del Mar to beach parties, live music, outdoor movies, and art, start making your plans to enjoy everything America’s Finest City has to offer. Get up. Get out. Play!

Thursday, Aug. 3

Nighttime Zoo
9 a.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo has extended its hours to 9 p.m. now through Sept. 4 so families can enjoy the annual “Nighttime Zoo.” Visitors can hear live music, check out special keeper talks and entertainment, and end the night by watching a parade of elaborate animal puppets. Nighttime Zoo activities are included with paid admission or zoo memberships.

Del Mar Racing
12 p.m., Del Mar Racetrack
Still “cool as ever,” the Del Mar Racing season returns to the seaside track in the North County. Gates open daily at 12 p.m., with the first post at 2 p.m. The season runs through Sept. 4, with track closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Once again, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s racing season will also include concerts and other fun festivities. General admission is between $6 and $10.

Liberty Public Farmers Market
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Near Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station
Liberty Station’s brand-new weekly farmers market goes down every Thursday near Liberty Public Market, off Perry Road. The farmers market features more than 60 vendors, from local produce growers and specialty food purveyors, to artisan gift merchants. While you peruse vendors, enjoy live performances from local musicians.

California Dreaming Beach Party
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Bahia Hotel
Every Thursday this summer – through Aug. 31 – The Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay will host its “California Dreaming” Beach Party, which includes a clam bake, BBQ, brews and live beachside concert performed by The Mar Dels. Tickets are $49 for adults and $26 for kids ages 5 to 12; children age 5 and under get in free. This is summer, SoCal style, that’s for sure.

Santee Summer Concerts
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Town Center Community Park East
Country band Three Chord Justice take the stage for Santee’s weekly summer concert series this Thursday. The event is free; there will be food trucks on-hand selling dinner and family-friendly activities for the kids. Bring a blanket or chairs and snag a spot on the grass.

Cardiff Music Nights
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pappalecco in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Italian eatery Pappalecco is hosting “Cardiff Music Nights” this summer at its Cardiff-by-the-Sea location (2101 San Elijo Ave.), showcasing free concerts each Thursday evening. Guests can enjoy the tunes al fresco as if they were in Italy. A different artist is featured each week.

Sunset Poolside Jazz Series
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Westgate Hotel
Downtown’s Westgate Hotel continues its “Sunset Poolside Jazz Series,” a summertime series featuring a different performance every Thursday night, through Aug. 31, from Southern California’s finest jazz talents at the hotel’s pool. The event includes drinks and appetizers, available for purchase. Attendees are asked to spend at least $25 on drinks and food; the entertainment is free. The Charlie Arbelaez Quartet performs on Aug. 3.

Flicks at the Fountain
8 p.m., Carlsbad Village
Every Thursday night in July and August, the Carlsbad Village Association will host a free outdoor movie screening behind the famous fountain at the corner of State Street and Grand Avenue. The community’s annual summer movie series continues Thursday night with a screening of “Rudy.” Bring blankets, low-back lawn chairs, a picnic and enjoy the entertainment under the stars. Films begin at dusk – between 7:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.; seating starts at 6 p.m.

Latin Thursdays
9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Enjoy live Latin music at Harrah’s Resort Southern California every Thursday night this month at this 21+ fiesta. The shows cost $10 and are available at the door.

Friday, Aug. 4

Coronado’s Free Summer Shuttle Service
8:57 a.m. to 9:42 p.m. (shuttle service times), Coronado
Coronado’s free summer shuttle service is back, running now through Labor Day. The service aims to make it easier for locals and visitors to cruise around Coronado and catch a ride to popular spots during the busy summer months. Hop on!

Latin American Festival & Mata Ortiz Pottery Market
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), Bazaar Del Mundo
Latin American folk artists will bring their masterpieces to Bazaar Del Mundo in Old Town San Diego this weekend for this free colorful marketplace and cultural festival. The fest will showcase the works of artists from across Latin America, including Mexico, Peru El Salvador and Guatemala – from art, collectibles and pottery to clothing, textiles and jewelry. Visitors can peruse the goods at booths in the marketplace from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The event will also include live art demonstrations, entertainment by Latin American folk band, TINKU, and food for sale.

Eagles of Death Metal
4 p.m., Del Mar Race Track
This week’s “4 O’Clock concert” at the Del Mar Race Track features the Eagles of Death Metal. The group takes the Seaside Stage after the last horse race of the day. The 18+ show is free with paid admission to the track.

Food Truck Friday
4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s “Food Truck Friday” is a summertime event that brings more than a dozen food trucks to the Plaza de Panama and El Prado walkway every Friday evening through Sept. 29. As you grab some food, you’ll also be able to enjoy live entertainment at the park. Stick around and check out “Balboa Park After Dark” (see below), happening simultaneously at the park Friday nights this summer.

Cruisin’ Grand Escondido
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Downtown Escondido(235 East Grand Ave.)
Downtown Escondido’s free, weekly vintage car show continues, running every Friday night through Sept. 29. Cruisin’ Grand Escondido takes over historic Grand Avenue, with more than 500 cool cars lining the streets. The event, now in its 18th year, draws thousands of attendees. Each Friday night, awards are given to the most impressive pre-1973 American-made cars. Musical entertainment includes performances across four stages: Broadway; Juniper Street; Maple Street Plaza; Kalmia & Grand.

Friday Night Liberty
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Arts District at Liberty Station
The Arts District at Liberty Station (2640 Decatur Rd.) hosts Friday Night Liberty, a free, monthly art walk showcasing the working artists, dance, music, and theatre that are helping the district grow in its mission to highlight the arts culture in San Diego.

Balboa Park After Dark
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s sundown summertime program continues, with eight museums offering extended late-night hours every Friday through Sept. 29. Some museums are even offering $5 admission deals. Food vendors and live entertainment will also fill the landmark during this “Balboa Park After Dark” series.

Summer Movies in the Park
5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Multiple Locations
San Diego’s fun and free “Summer Movies in the Park” presents family-friendly movies Friday night at several locations across the county, usually at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. This week, the lineup includes: “Moana” at Montgomery-Waller Community Park; “Sing” at Rolling Hills Neighborhood Park; “Inside Out” at Felicita County Park. 

Sunset Luau on the Bay
6 p.m., Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Dreaming of Hawaii? The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Pacific Beach hosts its 16th season of Sunset Luaus on the shores of Mission Bay, a Friday night event complete with tropical drinks, Polynesian cuisine, and authentic island-inspired music and dancing. The Sunset Luau series runs through Sept. 1; tickets are $69 for adults, $32 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for little one 5 and younger.

Legally Blonde: The Musical
7 p.m., Lyceum Theatre
The Young Actors’ Theatre tells the story of the ambitious and bubbly Elle Woods and her journey from the sorority house to the courtroom. The musical runs through Aug. 13; tickets to the Friday night performance are $32.

A Hard Day’s Night
7:30 p.m., Museum of Photographic Arts
In partnership with Film Geeks SD, the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) will host a screening of Richard Lester’s 1964 Beatles film, “A Hard Day’s Night.” Relive the fandom of Beatlemania and the magic of the Fab Four via the classic rock ‘n’ roll comedy. Tickets to the screening are $10, or $5 for MOPA members.

Joel McHale
7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
Actor, comic, and host Joel McHale (“The Soup,” “Community”) performs his stand-up act at downtown San Diego’s American Comedy Co. Friday and Saturday with two shows each night – at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Saturday, Aug. 5

DayBreak
8 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
It can be difficult to wake up early on a Saturday morning. But here’s something to help get you out of bed this Saturday morning: DayBreak at the racetrack. Grab some breakfast while watching morning workouts at the racetrack. Horse racing fanatics will also be able to pick the brain of former jockey and event announcer Jeff Bloom. Bloom will be there answering questions. Tickets cost $10.

Trek with the Trackers
8:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor’s Center
The Tracking Team at Mission Trails Regional Park takes you on an adventure this Saturday. Follow tracks, track bed lays and other critter evidence as you track lesser-seen animals in the park. The team recommends you wear long pants to enable you to get up close. The trek is free. 

Sip of Julian
11 a.m., Julian Town Hall
Julian is about more than just cider and apple pies. This Saturday, spend the day getting a taste of the town’s best wine, beer, craft cocktails and hard cider. A "Sip of Julian" runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving guests time to sample all the wine, beer and liquor they want, paired with small bites at each stop. Tickets cost $25.

Stagecoach Days: Trades That Shaped the West
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego continues its summer “Stagecoach Days” celebration with more historical demonstrations in the plaza, in the heart of the park. On Saturday, the "Trades That Shaped the West" theme will explore the development of artisans and trades that helped shape the community of San Diego in the 19th century. The event is free. 

Sip N’ Ship Beer Festival
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego will host its 5th annual Sip N’ Ship Beer Festival on Saturday, a daytime event featuring craft brews, live music, and food – with spectacular views of the San Diego Bay. Local breweries pouring sips include Second Chance Beer Company, Mike Hess, and Longship Brewery. Tickets to the 21+ event cost $35.

San Diego Sights and Sips
5:30 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and Events
Sunshine, sailing, and cocktails come together on this Hornblower cocktail cruise. Hop on board for a two-hour cruise with champagne, light Hors oeuvres and more as you enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay during sunset. The boat leaves at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $37.50 per person.

Spirits at Sunset: Summer Cocktail Cruise
5:30 p.m., Flagship Cruises and Events
Treat yourself to a lovely evening on the Bay this Saturday for the all-new Spirits at Sunset cruise. Board an 82-foot yacht for an evening for 360 views of the beautiful San Diego and bay and your favorite cocktails. Tickets start at $42.50. 

Del Mar Summer Concert Series: Billy Currington
7 p.m., Del Mar Racetrack
After the races end on Fridays and Saturdays this summer, artists from all genres will take the stage to close out a day of summer fun. This week, local country bands will play throughout the day for the track’s Country Fest! The day ends with Georgia-born Country star Billy Currington, who will take the stage around 7 p.m. The concert is included with the track’s $6 admission.

High Tide Dinner
8 p.m., The Marine Room (La Jolla)
Enjoy dinner as waves crash right against the windows next to you at The Marine Room’s High Tide dinner hours. This Saturday, expect high tide around 9 p.m. San Diegans can experience the wonder of tides nearly at their table. This special event only happens certain days a year.

Little Italy Summer Film Festival
8 p.m., Amici Park
Every Saturday night this summer (through Aug. 26), stop by San Diego’s Little Italy Amici Park and enjoy a series of Italian films with English subtitles. The screenings start at 8 p.m. The entry fee is a $5 donation. 

Sunday, Aug. 6

Dog Days of Summer
11 a.m., Horton Plaza Park
Stop by Horton Plaza Park this Sunday for a fun, art-filled day of events, all dog-friendly. Listen to a jazz quartet play, learn about San Diego’s professional performing artists and take part in hands-on activities, including an art station. The day is free. 

Guys and Dolls
2 p.m., The Old Globe Theater
This Broadway classic, considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, comes to San Diego's Old Globe Theatre. The show follows Nathan Detroit, New York's infamous game organizer, who makes a bet with a notorious gambler: take mission girl Sarah Brown to dinner in Cuba. The beloved upbeat musical is directed by rising director and choreographer Josh Rhodes, who tells NBC 7 he went back to basics for his fresh take of a classic musical. The show runs through Aug. 13. 

Avenue Q
3 p.m., OB Playhouse
A bright-eyed Princeton graduate comes to New York City with big dreams and a small bank account in this Tony Award-winning musical, back by popular demand. Laugh and cry-laugh as you follow the (often slightly raunchy and outrageous) lives of the neighborhood’s residents. The show is billed as a Sesame Streets for adults. Tickets start at $29; its run at the OB Playhouse ends Aug. 13.

Full Moon Dinner
5 p.m., Coronado Island Marriott Resort
The Coronado Island Marriott Resort, located across the bay from Downtown San Diego, kicks off their Lunar Feast Dinner series this Sunday. The series takes place on their private pier and features food cooked by Chefs Michael Poompan and Aaron Obregon. This week, the chefs team up with Anthony Pascale of Saiko Sushi for a seven-course meal. The dinner costs $125 and includes cocktail pairings, parking, tax, and gratuity.

Sergio Mendes
7 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park South
Brazilian bossa nova master Sergio Mendes stops by the San Diego Symphony’s summer series “Bayside Summer Nights” to play his chart-topping songs, including “Mas Que Nada,” “The Look of Love,” “The Fool on the Hill” and more. Tickets start at $18. 

Ken Ludwig’s "Robin Hood" 
7 p.m., The Old Globe
See the timeless story of hero Robin Hood in a new light: on stage, in this brand-new, Globe-commissioned play by Ken Ledwig. Ludwig, a playwright whose works have appeared on Broadway and London's West End ("Crazy For You," "Lend Me a Tenor," "An American in Paris," and more), comes back to The Globe for this world premiere comedy. Ludwig most recently premiered "Baskerville" at the Globe, bringing Sherlock Holmes to San Diego. The piece promises thrills, romance, laughter and more. The piece runs through Aug. 27. 

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Times and locations vary

Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.

A motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a driver early Saturday on Interstate 15 in the Bonsall area, authorities confirmed.

California Highway Patrol Officer Jim Bettencourt said the motorcyclist – identified, for now, only as a 50-year-old man from Temecula – was traveling southbound on the I-15 north of the Lilac overcrossing, just after 5:45 a.m., when a driver in a Toyota Camry collided with him.

The 20-year-old driver had been trying to change lanes, Bettencourt said.

The impact threw the victim off his motorcycle; he died at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota was not hurt. Bettencourt said the deadly crash is under investigation, but drugs or alcohol is not suspected in the collision.

Former President Barack Obama got a special treat for his birthday this year - his very own holiday.

Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law Friday a measure to designate Aug. 4 as "Barack Obama Day" across Illinois.

The newest state holiday will be celebrated each year on the 44th president's birthday, beginning in 2018.

The holiday will be "observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities," Senate Bill 55 reads. 

While several lawmakers abstained from voting on the measure, it passed both houses earlier this year without a single vote against.

SB 55 was introduced by Sen. Emil Jones III, the son of former Senate President Emil Jones, Jr., who played a major role in launching then-state Senator Obama to the U.S. Senate in 2004 and considers himself to be the former president’s political "godfather."

"Barack Obama Day" joins other commemorative holidays like Adlai Stevenson Day, Ronald Reagan Day and Jane Addams Day, for which workplaces do not close. 

Democrats' efforts to make Obama’s birthday a legal state holiday – during which schools and state offices would close, while banks and businesses could, but would not be required to close – stalled after some lawmakers voiced concern that other Illinois presidents, like Reagan, do not have similar holidays.

Republicans, including Rauner, also noted the economic cost of closing state buildings on the holiday, and the impact of workers having the day off.

"It's incredibly proud for Illinois that the president came from Illinois. I think it's awesome, and I think we should celebrate it," Rauner told reporters in February. "I don't think it should be a formal holiday with paid, forced time off, but I think it should be a day of acknowledgment and celebration."

Legislators also voted in July to rename part of a Chicago-area highway after their former colleague, designating the stretch of Interstate 55 from the Tri-State Tollway south to mile marker 202 near Pontiac as the "Barack Obama Presidential Expressway."

Fans of Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson flocked to Canton, Ohio, on Saturday for a chance to support LT and score an autograph at the Pro Football Hall of Fame events. LT never stopped smiling. Many of the fans hail from San Diego, the city that LT will always call home. NBC 7's Derek Togerson reports.

Recent tarantula sightings in San Diego homes – including one arachnid found in a family’s microwave and another in a person’s shoe – are due to the time of year, and perhaps a side effect of the weather.

Jim Berrian, a field entomologist with the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, said the critters are in the midst of mating season, meaning tarantulas are out and about, looking for a partner.

“It’s this time of the year when the boys are out looking for girlfriends,” he said. “That’s basically it. The males will migrate, looking for females to mate with. They’ll be all over the county doing that.”

Berrian said there are three different native species of tarantulas in San Diego County. They can be found in most areas, with the exception of beach communities. He said tarantulas are mostly nocturnal.

A few other factors, including the weather, may also be contributing to the rise of tarantula sightings.

“When it’s hot, they seek shelter,” Berrian explained. “When the daytime comes along they’ll look for shelter to get out of the Sun; that sort of thing. And your house is as good as any place.”

Berrian said San Diego’s wet winter increased insect populations, so tarantulas now have more available food sources. They may also be crawling around looking for that food.

The entomologist said the creatures can bite and are venomous.

“In the front of the head here, you have these two big lumps where they have the fangs underneath,” he explained, calmly holding one of the arachnids in his hands. “The venom that’s injected is fairly mild. You will hurt probably more from the big fangs ripping into your skin that anything else.”

But Berrian said there’s no need to be afraid of tarantulas. He certainly isn’t.

“They’re cute; they’re furry,” he said. “They’re interesting animals.”

If you encounter a tarantula and are nervous about it, Berrain said it’s best to not handle the critter and just let them go on their way.

Earlier this week, San Diego pest control officials confirmed the rise in tarantulas in the region but said it’s rare to find the critters inside homes.

Scripps Ranch resident Hannah Dafferner said she was shocked to find a tarantula inside her microwave. She was opening the microwave to heat up a snack when she saw the hairy animal in there.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. In fact, she thought her little sister was pulling a prank on her.

“I didn’t think it was real until it moved its leg,” she told NBC 7.

Dafferner said her family frequently opens the door to their home to let their dogs out. She thinks the creature crawled through their backyard and snuck into the kitchen that way.

Days before the sighting at Dafferner’s home, a resident a few miles north found a tarantula in his garage, taking up residence inside one of his shoes. He realized something wasn’t right when he tried to put on the shoe and his foot wouldn’t fit. When he reach in, he felt something fuzzy.

Ten people were injured after an American Airlines flight from Athens, Greece, experienced "severe turbulence" prior to landing at Philadelphia International Airport Saturday.

Three passengers and seven crew members were taken to the hospital upon landing, American Airlines said in a statement. The fasten seatbelt sign was on at the time of the turbulence, according to the airline.

Jessica Huseman, a reporter, tweeted from aboard the plane about her experience.

American Airlines flight 759 from Athens to Philadelphia landed safely at 3:10 p.m. after the FAA said the crew reported the turbulence while flying over the North Atlantic Ocean.

"We are taking care of our passengers and our crew members at this time and want to thank our team members for keeping our passengers safe," the statement read.

There was no word on the severity of injuries suffered, but American Airlines reported those going to the hospital were transported "for evaluation."

In 2016, there were a total of 44 injuries reported during turbulence. Thirty-three of the injuries were to passengers and 11 were to crew members, according to the FAA.

A Camp Pendleton Marine was killed in an accident at the base Friday, officials confirmed.

Lance Cpl. Cody J. Haley, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. Haley had deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit last year and his awards include the National Defense Service medal, Global War on Terrorism Service medal and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon.

A statement released by Camp Pendleton reads in part: “We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of a member of the Marine Corps family, and we will do all we can to comfort the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.”

The specifics of the accident are unclear. Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

An explosion from a bomb rattled a suburban Minneapolis mosque early Saturday morning, authorities said. There were no injuries, but a room in the building was damaged and worshipers were shaken.

The blast at Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington happened just after 5 a.m. local time as the mosque was preparing for Fajr, or the early-morning prayer, the Muslim American Society of Minnesota said.

"Someone threw an explosive device and started a fire in the office of the Imam and President of the mosque," the society said. "The attendees put out the fire."

The FBI has taken over the investigation and Minneapolis special agent in charge Rick Thornton told reporters that the blast was from an improvised explosive device.

“It’s the most walking I’ve done all year!” Jesse Mendez laughs. He can joke about his walk around the marina now, but each step reminds him of how far he’s come.

Mendez used to be homeless, and now he wants to help others find their way home. He explains that anyone can find themselves on the street, and it’s often a mix of bad luck and life choices. “Bad decisions or the economy, just life situations can end you up in need of services,” he says.

Saturday’s walk brought together more than 400 people who are working to tackle San Diego’s homeless crisis.

“We have 9,116 [homeless] individuals, last count, it's gone up by over 400 individuals,” Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages tells NBC 7.

San Diego has the fourth largest homeless population in the country and the second largest for homeless veterans.

“That's why it's good to have places like Father Joe’s that are here to give hands up instead of handouts,” Mendez reasons.

Father Joe's is where Jesse met his new best friend Landrian Ashe and where he also met his wife.

They both now work at Father Joe's helping others who were once in their shoes.

“You can change someone's life every day and it's a great experience,” Ashe says.

Organizers expect the "Short Walk Home" Fundraiser to raise more than $40,000 for services and programs to help the homeless get back on their feet.

An out-of-control car crashed through a fence into an Emerald Hills backyard Saturday afternoon, and the homeowner says this isn’t the first time this has happened in the area.

Another car crashed through Jeremy Deady's lot in February. It happened while he was away. He didn't have any driver information, so he ended up paying out $1000 to his insurance.

Deady, who lives on 60th Street with his wife and two kids, wasn't home at the time of the crash on the 30-mph street, but he says this is the fourth time a car has crashed at the intersection behind his home.

“Lives are at risk. Someone's going to get hurt,” Deady tells NBC 7.

His family had just finished swim lessons and were headed to an afternoon picnic when a Honda Civic lost control coming up the hill, swerved and plowed through his fence – near where his 5 and 3-year-old play.

"I just think there needs to be a stop sign here," he says. "Because when they come up the hill, they can't see that there's a curb ahead at the top of the hill and I think a stop sign would help that out a lot."

Deady tells NBC 7 his neighbors have started reaching out to local leaders, and he's thinking about starting a petition.

Poway Mayor Steve Vaus got a call from a resident about a large tortoise roaming around their back yard Saturday. 

The mayor picked up the lost pet and is now trying to get her back home.

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“Actually she’s on the small side," the mayor tells NBC 7. "These can get up to 240 pounds, and they can live up to a hundred plus years. Somebody has raised this, and raised it right, real friendly, real sweet." 

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She's been affectionately named E.T. for Escaped Tortoise (not extra-terrestrial), and so far they say she has enjoyed some lettuce, water melon and meeting the chickens at her temporary home.

Roy Herigner, the facilities manager at St. Dunstans Episcopal church, is offering $6,000 of his own money to help find the person who shot and killed a 23-year-old in front of his home in San Carlos Saturday.

“This young man perished across the street from the church that he attended,” Heringer said. “And that's just a travesty. In front of his own home - where his parents and brothers were sleeping. That's horrible.”

Heringer has been working at the church for three years, but he’s also a retired San Diego Sheriff’s captain.

Back in 1995, his own brother, John, was gunned down in Sacramento. Police never found the people responsible.

Heringer said finding this man’s killer would bring him a sense of closure. “That's a small price to pay. That's a very small price to pay,” he said. “If $6,000 brings to justice for this family, then it's well worth the cost.”

A serious injury, early morning crash on Interstate 15 shut down the highway's southbound lanes for more than an hour as officials cleared the scene. 

The crash happened at approximately 5 a.m. on I-15 near Miramar Road, by the highway's State Route 163 split. 

Four cars were badly damaged in the crash, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials said, though it is unclear how the crash happened at this time. 

At one point, an SUV involved in the crash was flipped on its side. People were trapped inside. 

The crash was initially reported with major injuries. CHP officials do not have the extent of their injuries. 

While the highway was shut down, traffic was rerouted onto SR-163. 

The highway was reopened before 7 a.m.

No further details are available. 

When Sallie B. lectures her weekend class about marijuana, she likes to make her spiel as accessible as possible. The chef starts by explaining the effects of cannabis-infused butter, and then she demonstrates how to cook with it. 

"You want to make sure you're making it correctly so that you don't get sick," Sallie begins the lecture, hoisting up a jar of green-tinted butter for the class to see. "And it’s important that you know your dosage..."

Roughly 25 students soon start cooking in the Cannabis Creatives warehouse in Oakland, tossing generous pats of canna-butter into sizzling saucepans.

Meanwhile, Sallie, the proprietor of edibles company Slim’s Baked Goodies, bounces from table to table to answer a litany of questions. Heavy smoke floats in the air throughout the two-hour course, but most isn’t coming from the cooking stations; there are, at any given time, multiple joints, bongs and vape pens circulating around the room. 

So goes the structure of every Puff, Pass, and Pastry class, which is run by Colorado-based company Cannabis Tours. By the end, participants will have made a hodgepodge of cannabis-infused treats, including frittatas, sweet cakes and french toast. 

The Sunday cooking class is just one of many pot-centered workshops that have cropped up in the Bay Area following California’s legalization of the once-taboo plant in November. There are yoga, painting and pottery classes, even glass blowing classes, and they all aim to do something similar: combine the novelty of legally consuming cannabis in public spaces with traditional pay-to-play activities.

Heidi Keyes, the co-founder of Cannabis Tours, runs sister workshops in Oregon, Las Vegas and Colorado and advocated for pot's legalization in California. A longtime pot consumer, she said she entered the industry because she wanted to “normalize cannabis use” and stop it from being relegated to doctors offices and back-alley deals. 

"We want to encourage people to just relax in a way that they haven’t been able to before, especially before it was legal here and other places," Keyes said. "It's about providing a safe space for cannabis consumption, meeting new people, passing joints. Just being able to smoke weed if you want to.” 

Sallie, who began incorporating cannabis into her recipes after a cancer diagnosis, attached herself to the course in an attempt to educate others about the plant. 

“The biggest misconception about edibles is that people think, ‘if I eat an edible, I’m going to be asleep for days,” she said. “I think people don’t understand cannabis as much as they consume it, so this class gives me an opportunity to teach them about the different strains, and how to get a good effect." 

The business venture has been undeniably profitable for Keyes, Sallie and other so-called “cannapreneurs,” a portmanteau referring to the business owners who have capitalized on pot’s legalization. Tickets to the cooking class cost $69 each, and the painting and pottery classes aren’t much cheaper. All told, the profits help contribute to a booming California industry valued at over $7 billion. 

Keyes attributes the success of the courses to a previously-untapped niche market. In short, she believes that a group of people — mostly longtime pot enthusiasts — had been waiting for these types of communal spaces, and are now ready to open up their wallets for the experience.

"There hasn’t really been anything like this before,” she said. “I think people have really been looking for opportunities to consume legally and make friends at the same time. A lot of people who come to our classes aren't big drinkers, but they still want to go out and do something social. That’s where our classes come into play.” 

Nadia Ibanez, 32, said she falls into both categories. But the San Francisco woman chose to attend the cooking class in lieu of the alternatives because it advertised a learning opportunity. 

“I’ve never cooked with cannabis, never made edibles,” said Ibanez, who has been smoking pot for about a year. “So I wanted to come and see what skills I could take to my own kitchen.” 

But not everyone is on board with the idea of cannabis cooking classes, for that very reason. 

The specter of novices making edibles at home is what worries doctors such as Rachna Patel, who owns a medical practice in Walnut Creek and studies marijuana use. She’s seen the horror stories of people overdosing on edibles — and they’re not the comical situations that YouTube videos would lead one to believe. 

"Edibles are tricky," Patel said. "A part of me is very much in favor of patients making their own products because they know exactly what goes into them. But the downside of it is, it's going to be difficult to figure out how much is too much.”

Patel notes that the side effects can include extreme paranoia and impaired body movement. If someone wants to learn about edibles, they should see a doctor, not attend a cooking class, she quipped. 

But that warning doesn't discourage Keyes, who believes legalization signaled a cultural shift in the way cannabis is perceived by non-users. Making the plant palatable — or merely acceptable — will help make it safer, she opined. 

"People are beginning to realize that there is no typical stoner; there's no typical cannabis consumer," Keyes said. "A lot of people have had to hide their cannabis use their entire lives...so what we’re seeing now is people coming forward and being more open about it.”

“And I think, going forward, we’re going to be seeing more of that,” she continued. “It’s just not something people feel they have to hide anymore.”

A green cab struck two people and their dog as they walked near a busy Interstate 8 East off ramp in Grantville early Sunday morning, San Diego police (SDPD) said. 

The incident happened at approximately 5:30 a.m. on the Fairmont Avenue I-8 east off ramp, police said. 

A man, woman and their dog were walking southbound on Fairmont Avenue by the off ramp when a green taxi cab struck them, police said. 

The impact of the crash sent the man flying through the cab's windshield. He suffered a broken leg. 

The woman had head injuries. Both were taken to the hospital.

The crash killed their pair's dog. 

The taxi driver did not suffer any injuries in the crash and called the police. He is cooperating with police, and at this time, he has not been charged or arrested. 

The I-8 east off ramp was closed for several hours Sunday morning as police investigated.

No further information is available. 

It's going to be a busy fall theater season in San Diego. From world premiere productions to an immersive theater festival to Broadway favorites, there's plenty to see (and love!) this fall in San Diego. 

Here's a round up of some of the season's hottest tickets. 

An American in Paris
Sept. 5 - 10, Broadway San Diego (Civic Theatre)

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The magic of Paris strolls into San Diego this September with the national tour of the new Tony Award-winning musical "An American in Paris." The show follows an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and their adventures in Paris in the aftermath of war. Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon brings the George and Ira Gershwin show to life. 

Benny & Joon
Sept. 7 to Oct. 22, The Old Globe
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The Old Globe's 2017 - 2018 season kicks off this fall with "Benny & Joon," a delightful new world-premiere musical based on the beloved 1993 offbeat romantic comedy. The musical, with a book by Kirsten Guenther ("Breaking Through"), music by Nolan Gasser and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein ("Little Women"), follows auto mechanic Benny(his sister's sole caretaker) and his eclectic sister Joon.

Roz & Ray
Sept. 7 to Oct. 1, San Diego Rep.
This time-bending story -- set in San Diego -- shares a profound story of love, trust and sacrifice as it explores a little-known chapter in American history. The story follows Ray, a devoted single parent who works to keep his twin sons alive, and Roz, the doctor who offers him a cutting-edge miracle treatment. The play is written by Karen Hartman, an award-winning playwright and native San Diegan. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights
Sept. 13 to Sept. 30, Moonlight Stage Productions, Moonlight Amphitheatre

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North County's Moonlight Productions is putting on Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In The Heights." The Broadway hit, from the creator of "Hamilton", tells the unique stories of residents in the vibrant New York City neighborhood, Washington Heights. The Tony-winning show's book was written by Quiara Alegria Judes, who co-penned the La Jolla Playhouse world premiere show "Miss You Like Hell." 

The Little Mermaid
Sept. 19  -24, Broadway San Diego (Civic Theater)

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The classic Disney tale of mermaid Ariel swims into San Diego in this musical perfect for the whole family. The show features music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, including the well-known classics "Under the Sea," "Kiss The Girl" and "Part of Your World."

Billy Elliot
Sept. 22 to Oct. 8, San Diego Musical Theatre
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This regional production of Billy Elliot is a special treat for San Diego audiences: it features a unique collaboration between The California Ballet Company and San Diego Musical Theater. The Broadway musical, with music by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall, follows one boy's journey to follow his dreams to dance amid challenging times. 

Without Walls Festival
Oct. 19 - 22, Downtown San Diego (through La Jolla Playhouse)
A weekend of immersive theater, dance and music returns to San Diego this fall with La Jolla Playhouse's Without Walls Festival. The festival includes a variety of new works, including "Model Home" from Tony Award-winning scenic designer and MacArthur "Genius" fellow Mimi Lien, and "Incoming: Sex, Drugs, and Copenhagen" by the storytelling group So Say We All, to be performed at Border X Brewing. It's a weekend of original, barrier-defying theater, and it's affordable -- performances range from free to $29. Learn more by clicking here. 

SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical
Nov. 7 to Dec. 10, La Jolla Playhouse

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The Queen of Disco makes her debut at The La Jolla Playhouse this fall in this highly anticipated musical from the team behind "Jersey Boys." The original musical will chart the life of Donna Summer - the voice of a generation. The score will feature more than 20 of Summer's classic hits and electric dance songs. "Jersey Boys" director Des McAnuff, who worked on the La Jolla Playhouse-bred hit musical, will helm the show, and Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys", "Memphis", more) will choreograph.